Any ideas for a silent monologue?

Question

I need to put together a silent monologue that consists of just one person (me) doing something that the audience can identify clearly for 1 minute. I can't use any words (can use limited props/ can use chairs/tables/ costumes), just body movements & facial expressions are required. It could be as simply as someone sitting on a couch, channel surfing, or getting ready for school in the morning. I was hoping you could give me ideas as to what sort of routine I could do...

Dance routines can't be used.

Answer 1

No I don't think there are any.

Answer 2

Get hold of some good books or videos on Marcel Marceau and learn a little about Mime, then using that as a base, follow the advice given by others here. Pick an activity and just do it. Practice it at home so it is real. If you are tasting something, know the flavor, if you are smelling something know what the smell is, if feeling something know the texture and depth of the object. Get the idea? (example - mother on the phone - hears the baby crying, goes in to check on baby, picks baby up, diaper is wet and stinky, changes diaper, fixes a bottle while trying to calm baby down, bottle is too hot, cools it down and finally gives baby bottle)

Good luck!

Answer 3

This is an acting exercise and is meant only to illustrate you in a natural environment - so miming anything isn't too great. Polishing your toenails is good, writing a letter, fixing a snack, simple things that last a few minutes and have minimal props will work.

Whatever you do - just really do it. Don't 'act' it or push it - just really focus on doing it for real and I guarantee your teacher will be happy. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Opening a letter and discovering:

1. That a loved one has passed away
or
2. That you have been accepted to the school of you dreams
or
3. That you won the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes!

Answer 5

What about....trying to shop for a present in a crowded store? like you could pretend to be getting pushed around while trying to hold up clothes. and trying to keep your cool while waiting in line to pay for it. you could even get to the front and the cashier closes the line just as you're getting to her, and you have to step into the other line. you could end it by throwing the pretend clothes over your head and stalking out, exhasperated.

Answer 6

take it a step further with complete silence

with body movement. Like a dance .... or 2 dances combined into one ... ..........as if you are 2 people

You will get the highest grade for the step beyond

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"except ............
.......if the audience is 2 Dumb...... restricted intelligence"

Answer 7

Well...

You could pretend to cook something and eat it
You could pretend to be rocking a baby to sleep- singing it lullabys (silently)
You could pretend to be fishing and get all excited when you catch a big fish
You could pretend to be be reading a scary book- pretend to get scared, then pretend to hear noises and get more scared.
You could pretend to be a teacher, scold a kid for not paying attention

Answer 8

Try the "Make-up " routine. Wemen are good at this. You stay on a chair, next to a mirror and put on some rimmel, lipstick etc etc etc. And at the end you look at the audience and ask with a childish smile........ "Ain't i preety? ;;)

Answer 9

If you're doing this for a class, it might be funny to act out a person attempting to take notes in class, but falling asleep in the process. (Write, nod off, write, slide down in seat, write...)

Answer 10

How about reading a book, magazine, or such that's funny. It's easy to express laughter without words.

Answer 11

Look to "My Foot, My Tutor." by Peter Handke. The whole play is silent.